45 minutes ago

Ian Youngs Culture reporter

BBC

Karen Hauer joined the show in 2012, and made the final with Mark Wright and Jamie Laing

The BBC has confirmed that five members of Strictly Come Dancing's professional line-up have left the show, as preparations begin for this year's series.

Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female pro, has departed after 14 years. She said in March that she had "decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects".

Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas are also leaving, with the BBC yet to announce their replacements.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return, but there's still no news about who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts.

Scroll down to see the new pro dancer line-up in full.

The BBC is currently considering who should replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts

In an update on Wednesday, the BBC said 15 of the 20…